Eleven new plant and animal species identified in Vietnam, face uncertain future

Eleven new species of plants and animals have been identified in Vietnam in the Thua Thien Hue province. The species — a snake, two butterflies, five orchids (three of them leafless), and three other plants — are believed to be exclusive to the country, but unfortunately their futures already look bleak. “All these species are at risk from illegal logging, hunting, unsustainable extraction of natural resources, and conflicting development interests,” said the World Wildlife Fund.